By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15
The term ‘gentiles’ refer to the non-Jews. The gentiles who belong to different faith backgrounds might have had the habits of making long prayers.
The intention of the gospel is not meant to put down the gentiles, but the author wanted the Jews to understand that it is the quality of the prayer that matters over its quantity, for most of all, “God knows what you need before you ask him.” So, Matthew presents Jesus’ prayer as a model of all prayers. The prayer started by honoring God first, (Mt 6:9; Mt 22:37) and everything else comes after him because if I form myself right; everything will fall in its place.
The Lord’s Prayer is practical in its presentation and is part of my daily encounter. If I call myself a Christian and do not know what God wants me to do, then I am close to being a blasphemer. I do not exist only for myself. My life has its meaning only through others. There is nothing such as ‘my life is my choice’, as in reality, I am responsible for what is happening around me. God has entrusted us to each other (Mt 18:15-17). Therefore, my wages depend on the positive impact I bring through sharing Christ’s values in others’ life.
What I do unto others, I am mirroring my worth through it. Therefore, my test for forgiveness depends on my willingness to reconcile with others in action and not so much on the quantity of the words spoken.